This past weekend, Derek, Tom, the team, and I headed out to manage the Tolovana Roadhouse at the confluence of the Tanana River and the Tolovana River for the Old Mail Trail 200 Dog Sled Race. I had yet to explore the Minto Flats area and was excited to see some new country. As the name suggests, it was very flat, but also incredibly beautiful. The team and I ran the 50 miles to the Tolovana Roadhouse (owned by Dave and Leslie with Paws for Adventure) the day before the race to organize and prepare for the racers. Derek, Tom and Jezzy flew in to meet us.

That evening, Cody and Paige with Squid Acres Kennel joined us at the roadhouse where I met their canine athletes fresh off the Iditarod. I was impressed to see Paige out exploring and camping after arriving home from Iditarod just two days prior!

Two teams from Squid Acres camping in front of Tolovana Roadhouse.

The following day, the Old Mail Trail 200 racers weren't expected to arrive until 2:00 in the afternoon, so the team and I dropped on to the river to run the trail from the Iron Dog snowmachine race down the Tanana River. Once again, another glorious spring day.

The following 24 hours were a rush of dog teams from the Old Mail Trail 200 race. A big congratulations to Brenda Mackey for her first place finish, Tom Lesatz for second, and Jessie Holmes for third. It was a blast to watch all the teams, and I have a new appreciation for race volunteers who stand outside waiting for mushers. Thanks to Dave and Leslie for putting in a great trail as well as renovating Tolovana Roadhouse into a luxury cabin!